What is a Milspec watch – The Namoki Type II MK20 Milspec Field Automatic

This is where the fun begins. The Milspec or military specification watch is one of those objects that we watch enthusiast love to experience. There is no specific reason other than it is a watch built with a purpose, it could be legibility or robustness just to name a few.

Having more than you actually need, is what to me feels like luxury and nothing feels more over engineered than a watch commissioned by a government body. Not only they have a defined design in mind but also, they are spending taxpayers’ money, so everything is under a loupe, it has to be perfect.

With every contract awarded, the watches and brands gain recognition. They become legends of our industry such as the Omega Speedmaster or the unique Panerai Luminor, these watches after a long bid process are now here to stay.

That said, Milspec watches do not have to be expensive or even certified by a government body for us civilians to use it. These established brands rarely would give a 1 to 1 example of the watch that actually goes to the Army or Navy (sometimes they do), so how about a modding company creating the best version possible?

Namoki is known for their high-quality components that we all nerds use to modify a watch, usually a Seiko. Why do we do this? Well, it gives us a glance on what a more unique proposition would feel without spending absurd quantities of money, plus we also learn something along the way.

Namoki not only sells watch components but also ready-made watches, and here is where we find our Type II Milspec Automatic. The watch has all the characteristics to succeed in the battlefield while also giving the owner an experience with higher specs in terms of materials and finishing, at least at this price bracket. Let’s begin to unveil what is a hidden gem in their catalogue.

The specifications

The Type II is a great example on how a watch from the beginning can be seen as purpose driven. The 43.2mm case is milled from a solid piece of metal and then sandblasted, it looks outstanding and ready to perform. The lug to lug is manageable at 49mm, it is a large watch but wears well on my 16.25-inch wrist.

Continuing with the matte theme, the dark dial is contrasted by white numerals at the edge with the 24 hours format inside. The ceramic bezel also includes numerals for a second time zone reading, this is a detail that I much appreciated. This means that with the watch diving capabilities (200 meters of water resistance) it can be also used to travel.

The NH35A is a perfect companion to the Type II as includes hacking and hand winding, it also keeps the watch affordable, and we all know how robust Seiko movements are.

The screw down crown is well machined, we enjoy quite a bit the detail of the organic crown lugs. They start from the right side lug and continue in a pyramid shape to protect the must vulnerable part of the watch.

On the wrist

How does a military watch wear? Outstanding. The look and feel of a Milspec watch can only be matched by using a tank in the middle of a city road, yes we all have that internal kid very much alive. It is great to see how well the Type II fits despite a 14mm height, also adding the supplied nato strap, the watch should a bit too tall, but it doesn’t give me that vibe. I am glad that there is the option to put a regular leather of even metal strap if wanted as the Type II does not include fixed bars as many of their counterparts, we do not need to overdo things here.

I wore the Type II while going to the gym and also going for a run. It is surprisingly light for a watch of this size; it feels very comfortable doing this kind of activities. I particularly enjoy the matte bezel and how it clicks, not only its great to been able to calculate a second time zone but also the added legibility.

As mentioned on the beginning legibility, and robustness of a MIlspec watch is key for its purpose and the Type II delivers on its promise. The handset chosen and the antireflective nature of the watch makes it one of the easier to wear/read that I’ve tried from this category, it is good.

I would love to take this watch into the sea, I think it would be the perfect companion, I would definitely switch the black supplied nato (which is great quality I might add) for a brighter summer colour one, perhaps yellow or blue as the monochromatic nature of the watch allows to swap between them.

Conclusions

It will depend on your mood, but to me tool watches are the best part of our hobby. I cannot deny that thinness and refinement have a place on our hearts but, for an everyday piece like Type II edges anything that deliver delicacy.

The Type II is a quiet watch, is not loud in terms of looks, perhaps is large but then it accommodates a great depth rating, is bullet prof and cost less than your average Seiko, I still wonder how did Namoki got away with this?

The Type II comes in 2 varieties, the Milspec that we were lucky to handle and then the Type I which is a more conventional diver with lume plots instead of numerals, they both look good, but we will give the edge to our Field press sample.

The price of the Type II is 263 GBP and it is available from their website https://www.namokimods.com/en-gb/collections/modded-watches/products/nmk20-automatic-field-watch-milspec-type-ii-sandblasted

Technical Specifications

·         43.2mm Case Diameter

·         49.0mm Lug to Lug Diameter

·         20mm Lug Width

·         14.8mm Thickness

·         NH35A from SII - Hacking and Winding movement

·         NMK947 Milspec SKX007/SRPD Case Bundle: Sandblasted Finish

·         Domed Sapphire Crystal - Clear AR

·         Sandblasted Coin Edge Mk 2 Bezel

·         Brushed Chapter Ring

·         Matte Black Ceramic Bezel Insert

·         Black Seatbelt NATO Strap

·         Water Resistant to 200m